- Virginia, USA -
Augusta County Sheriff Donald L. Smith announced the arrest of 59-years-old CARL RUDOLPH LENTZ (pictured).
According to a press release by the sheriff’s office, on June 2, 2023 Augusta County Animal Control received an anonymous call about the living conditions at a property in the 700 Block of Augusta Farms Road. “A citizen had recently purchased a dog from this location”, stated the release.
Animal Control and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and when officers responded to the location, they found two dogs who appeared to be living inside a vehicle. According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle was covered in feces, there was no food or water for the dogs, and the temperature inside the vehicle was 89.6 degrees.
As a result of the extreme temperature, Augusta County Animal Control removed the two Voiceless Victims.
As stated in the release, on the property there were several other dogs who appeared to be in poor condition so with the assistance of the sheriff’s office, Augusta County Animal Control obtained a search warrant.
Sadly, throughout the property officers discovered twenty (20) dead cats and eight (8) dead dogs.
As for the live animals, officers found and removed thirteen (13) cats, twenty-eight (28) dogs, and six (6) ducks. Four of the cats had to be euthanized and one dog had to have his/her leg amputated.
The sheriff’s office said that a temporary emergency shelter has been established by Augusta County at the Government Center in Verona to house all the rescued furvictims.
LENTZ, of Waynesboro, was arrested Friday, June 2, 2023, on one felony count of animal cruelty. On June 5, 2023, an additional five felony charges of animal cruelty were obtained and served by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.
LENTZ is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.
Online court records show that he is due back at Augusta General District Court on July 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Sheriff Smith advises those who may have “purchased any animals” from LENTZ or have knowledge of the living conditions at this location, to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) - 245 - 5333 and reference report number 2023-0001669. Thank you.
The sheriff further said that this is still an ongoing investigation and no additional details will be released at this time.
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LENTZ’s mugshot via Middle River Regional Jail.
Additional Sources:
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